Problem-based Learning in Quantitative Classes

Problem based learning (PBL) is a strategy that engages students by using current problems in the world in class assignments. This helps students become invested in course assignments and teaches them problem solving skills that are required of professionals.

In the spring 2009 issue of Academic Exchange Quarterly Blaylock and Kopf (2009) present an example of how we can implement PBL in our classroom.

In a quantitative analysis course, Blaylock and Kopf prompted their class with the following statement from the 2008 presidential campaign. In the statement, then presidential candidate Obama speaks on the energy savings and long term lowered fuel costs gained from proper tire inflation.


After viewing the statement as a class, they presented the overarching question in a manner that reached students on a personal level: “Will this part of Mr. Obama's energy plan cause the price you and I pay for gas to decline?”

After some initial discussion Blaylock and Kopf challenged students to defend their positions by asking, “How do you know?”

This lead into the larger assignment which asked students to consider:

1. What information do you need to know to evaluate the accuracy of Mr. Obama's statement?


2. What primary or secondary data support your claims?


3. How can you use the data to support your claims?

These questions required students to consider new challenges such as developing an experimental design, assessing appropriate sample sizes, finding representative sample populations, and organizing and analyzing a new set of data.

Throughout this process Blaylock and Kopf supported students through short lectures and guidance to individual groups.

While many students felt that the practical application allowed students to better understand statistical concepts, some felt that the topic had already been over analyzed and their data was irrelevant. Overall, Blaylock and Kopf felt that PBL engaged students in the course material at a much deeper level than if they had simply used text book examples.

References

Blaylock, B. K., & Kopf, J. M. (2009). Problem-Based Learning in Quantitative Classes. Academic Exchange Quarterly, 13(1). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from http://www.rapidintellect.com/AEQweb/cho4258w9.htm.